Spending time with Family (2) and a New Member

With excitement buzzing in the air, the day of the exhibition finally arrived. My parents and I made our way to a seemingly ordinary wall near The Acropolis, a popular tourist destination. To the untrained eye, it appeared to be just another part of the ancient city's architecture.

"Ummm, Mom, Dad, why are we here. Don't tell me that the wall is fake and we'll walk straight through it" I said to my parents.

They exchanged knowing smiles then reached out and pressed their hands against a particular spot, which caused the wall to shimmer and ripple. To my astonishment, the seemingly solid surface dissolved, revealing a hidden passage that led to the Athen's Magical Art Gallery.

Passing through the wall, we stepped into a completely different world. The gallery materialized before us, a magical haven tucked away from the eyes of the muggle world. The space was adorned with enchanting decorations, glowing orbs, and floating tapestries that added an ethereal touch to the atmosphere.

The gallery must be situated in a pocket dimension connected to the wall we just passed through, I assumed. As we entered the gallery, I was immediately captivated by the vibrant atmosphere. The walls were lined with an array of paintings, sculptures, and other forms of magical art, each telling its own unique story. The artworks seemed to come alive with a touch of enchantment, and I couldn't help but marvel at the talent and creativity of the artists.

My mother and father guided me through the gallery, pointing out their favorite pieces and discussing the techniques used by the artists, as these art peices weren't just still 2d works like the ones in my previous life, instead they were moving. I thought the art peices were pretty cool.

At one corner of the gallery, there was a section dedicated to interactive exhibits. I watched as visitors waved their wands or spoke incantations, causing the artworks to transform before their eyes. The air was filled with laughter and amazement as people experienced the magic infused in the art.

Intrigued by the interactive exhibits, I decided to give it a try myself. I approached a painting that depicted a serene forest scene and followed the instructions provided. And read the words to be chanted on the instruction.

"Magia mirabilis, vita tua evigilet!"

The colors in the painting swirled and shifted, transforming the forest into a vibrant autumnal landscape. Damn, that was was so cool. I decided to use my status abilities on the painting.

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Name: Enchanted Forest

Maker: Aurelia Nightshade

Type: Magical Painting

Description: Vibrant painting of an enchanting forest scene with animated elements.

Artefact Level: Tier 1

Consciousness: Limited minor sentience within the painting.

Note: The Enchanted Forest painting captivates viewers with its magical animation and interactive elements, providing a glimpse into the enchanting world it portrays.

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A painting having sentience surprised me, even if it was quite minor. It seems I'll have to add creating objects with sentience to my bucket list. I did try to make an AI in my previous life, who knows maybe I'll finally be able to successfully make one in this life.

We continued exploring the gallery, I couldn't help but notice a small corner dedicated to emerging artists. Their works may not have been as grand or well-known, but they exuded a raw passion and talent that spoke to me. I spent extra time observing their pieces, admiring their dedication and imagination.

Throughout the exhibition, I took the opportunity to use my status screen to gain insights into the magical artworks. I would discreetly check the details of certain pieces that caught my attention, hoping to uncover hidden meanings or discover any magical properties they might possess. Though none were as interesting as the Enchanted Forest by Aurelia Nightshade.

The day at the Athen's Magical Art Gallery was filled with enchantment and inspiration. I left with a heart brimming with joy and a mind filled with newfound ideas. It was a reminder that magic wasn't just about power and capabilities; it was also a means to explore the beauty and creativity of the world around me.

As we concluded our visit to the Athen's Magical Art Gallery, we retraced our steps through the hidden passage, returning to the ordinary world outside. The wall seamlessly transformed back into its unremarkable appearance, concealing the magical realm once more.

The streets of Athens were bustling with people. Amidst the crowd, I noticed few pet owners with their beloved companions. The sight sparked my curiosity, and I couldn't resist using my status abilities to scan the pets we encountered.

One particular bird caught my attention. It was a white-colored sparrow with a red tuft on its head, perched on a nearby branch. I had never seen such bird in my previous life. It also seemed to exude some kind of energy. I don't even know why I could sense the energy, maybe it could have been due to having a tier 2 soul.

Intrigued by its unusual appearance, I focused my scanning abilities on the bird. To my surprise, the scan revealed that the sparrow possessed a mutation and had access to universal energy.

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Name: None

Species: Desert Sparrow (Mutated)

Gender: Female

Age: ~5 months

Personal Magic : None

Universal Magic : Tier 0 (Body resonantes with Fire and Life Elemental energies and has a trace of it, but is not capable of using it)

Dimensional Magic : None

Soul: Tier 0

Mind: Peak Tier 0 (Has higher intelligence than creatures of same species)

Note: The individual may have inadvertently or coincidentally consumed an object containing a high concentration of universal energy and miraculously survived without the intake of a neutralizer.

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The realization thrilled me, as I had never encountered a creature with such a connection to the universal energy, niether does my basic magical knowledge that I managed to get as a perk from afterlife department includes examples of such a thing happening in the past ancient era. As creatures are either born capable of using universal magic along with personal magic (like True Dragons which are currently extinct and Phoenixs'), and most magical creatures have access to low amount of personal magic. But unlike Humans, normal animals aren't capable of gaining access to magic thus becoming magical creatures by consuming object containing a high concentration of universal energy. A miracle would be an apt word for the bird.

I decided at that moment to get it as my familiar. Familairs are quite common here, Dad's friend who visited our house once brought a niffler with him once and introduced it as his familiar. Forming a bond with a familiar doesn't need an awakened core, so even kids below the age of 11 can have a familiar. What is not known here is the that having a bonded familiar can speed up the growth of both magic and soul if the familiar has access to universal magic. But how do I get it to become my familiar was tough part. I slowly whispered to my parents.

"Mom, Dad, look over that small white sparrow on the nearby branch. It's sooooo beautiful, can I please get it as a familiar"

My mom looks at the bird and says

"Sure dear, do you want us bring it for you?"

"No no, I'll try to talk it and make it my familiar" I replied. They both gave an amused smile thinking that the little bird would just get scared and fly away. I too know there is a high chance that it would indeed fly away if I come close to it, but I didn't want my parents to catch it for me, neither did I want to cage it as I wanted it as my familiar not just as my pet.

I see an elderly couple feeding some other birds with bread crumbs. I go over to them and request them for some, which they proceed to give me. I take those bread crumbs and carefully approach the branch where the white sparrow was perched. With a gentle and cautious movement, I sprinkle the bread crumbs near the bird. As I do this, I focus my thoughts and intentions, channeling my desire to form a bond with the sparrow, hoping that with the Mind stats of the bird, it would understand my intentions. I silently communicate with the bird, projecting my thoughts in a gentle and inviting manner.

"Hello, beautiful sparrow. I mean you no harm. If you are willing, I would be honoured to have you as my familiar"

I maintain a calm and patient demeanor, giving the sparrow space and time to observe me and my intentions. I remain still, as the the bird looks at me with almost human life confused gaze. The sparrow then chirps softly and hops down from the branch as it cautiously approaches the circle of bread crumbs. It pecks at a few crumbs, seemingly testing the offering.

I continue to project my intentions towards the sparrow, extending an invisible invitation to join me on this journey. I pour my genuine excitement and respect into the connection I wish to establish.

After a few moments, the sparrow looks up at me and emits a series of melodious chirps. It flutters its wings, seemingly in agreement. I extend my hand towards the sparrow, inviting it to perch on my finger. The bird hesitates for a brief moment before hopping onto my outstretched hand, its tiny claws gently gripping my finger. Soon I feel a new almost invisible connection forming my soul in the lower layers spirit realm and the bird's soul. A bond has been formed between us.

Filled with excitement, I turn back to my parents, who are watching with astonishment. I show them the sparrow perched on my hand, a beaming smile on my face.

"Mom, Dad, this is my familiar now. Isn't she incredible?" I say, my voice brimming with joy and wonder.

My parents exchange glances, their expressions a mix of surprise and pride. My dad chuckles and says, "Well, it seems you have a way with creatures my little Dr. Dolittle! Who knew you had the power to charm even the birds? You've certainly earned the title of the Sparrow Whisperer!"

We all laugh at his playful remark. My mom joins in, adding, "I think this little sparrow has found its rightful place with you. You must take good care of it!"

With my newfound familiar perched on my hand, I gently bring it closer to my chest, cradling it against me. The sparrow chirps softly, seemingly content in its new surroundings. I can sense the faint trace of unknown energy emanating from it which I assume to be Fire and Life Elemental energies, reinforcing the bond we have formed.

As we walk back home, my familiar nestled safely in my palm.

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Regius: I'm gonna be the very best 🥺

Adam: Like no one ever was 🕺😎 *YOUTH*

Ember: *embarrassed*

Sparrow: *chirp* *chirp* *confused*